Georgia practice report: A couple young receivers moving up

ATHENS — The void at receiver for the University of Georgia football team is creating plenty of opportunity for younger players, and not just those who had been playing defense.

While that guy – more on him later – is getting most of the attention this spring, a couple more appear to be doing well so far. Rising sophomore Tyler Simmons and early enrollee Jeremiah Holloman appear to have moved up in the pecking order.

Before a throw-and-catch drill during Tuesday’s media viewing period, receivers coach James Coley instructed the ones and twos to get in line. That proved to be rising junior Michael Chigbu and rising senior Javon Wims – a couple veterans who established themselves last year – with the first group, followed by Simmons and Holloman.

While Terry Godwin then went with the third group, that may have been because it was a drill in which they threw to the end zone, and the 5-foot-10 Godwin wouldn’t be used there as much. Godwin, the team’s leading returning receiver, is clearly still prominently in the team’s plans.

No word on who will be starting for Kirby Smart

None of this is to say that Simmons and Holloman are going to be starters. But it’s a sign that the pair is in the mix, even with Riley Ridley (foot) and Jayson Stanley (concussion) out.

As for Mecole Hardman, he was once again working exclusively with the offense, at least while the media was around. Only this time he wasn’t wearing a white (defense) or red (offense) jersey. Hardman was wearing a black non-contact jersey, signifying some sort of injury, though none appeared obvious.

G-Day is Sat., April 22 and the Georgia spring game will begin a 2 p.m. and will be televised on SEC Network.

Speaking of former Georgia receivers, A.J. Green was also at practice, though not watching receivers while the media was out there. (Hopefully some enterprising staff member takes a photo of Green and McKenzie together.)

Stanley, missing practice with a concussion, was on an exercise bike and in uniform.

Pat Allen was again working at left guard with the first team while Dyshon Sims was at right tackle.

Redshirt freshman Chris Barnes was snapping the ball during a drill. Barnes is getting a look as a potential option at center.

While it was cold and windy, offensive analyst Jay Johnson was patrolling the sidelines in shorts. Johnson spent last year as offensive coordinator at Minnesota, so 50s and wind surely isn’t a big deal.